Ankylorrhinia

/ˌæŋkɪloʊˈrɪniə/ noun

Definition

A condition where the nostrils become narrowed, closed, or fused due to scar tissue or congenital abnormality.

Etymology

From Greek 'ankylos' (stiff, constricted) + 'rhis' (nose). This rare medical term combines the Greek root for stiffness with the anatomical term for nose, describing when the nasal passages become abnormally rigid or closed.

Kelly Says

People with ankylorrhinia literally cannot breathe through their nose properly because scar tissue or birth defects have fused the nasal passages! It shows how the body's healing response can sometimes create problems as serious as the original injury.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.